Biophysics is a rapidly growing area of fundamental science. Physics techniques for measurement and analysis are increasingly exploited by the biological and health sciences. Biotechnology and instrumentation for biology and medicine are among the leading sectors of the high-technology economy.

The Biomedical Physics specialization is designed to prepare students for professional and research careers in the biological and health sciences as well as for careers in biotechnology. It combines the core physics program with courses in inorganic and organic chemistry plus a selection of courses in modern biology. Additional courses are available both within and outside the Physics Department in the many interesting areas within this discipline. Physics 147(233) is a full year course with units on imaging and the physics of human physiology. Courses are available in physiology, protein and membrane biophysics, imaging, bioengineering, molecular biology and genetics, etc. Many research programs across the campus provide opportunities for undergraduate students interested in biological and medical physics.